Turkey Vultures

The day before yesterday the dead tree on the hill was covered with turkey vultures.  I've never seen as many sitting in one place, though occasionally there will be upwards of fifteen or twenty coasting around on the thermals over the hillside.

According to Wikipedia, the turkey vulture's

primary form of defense is regurgitating semi-digested meat, a foul-smelling substance which deters most creatures intent on raiding a vulture nest. It will also sting if the predator is close enough to get the vomit in its face or eyes. 

Sweet.